This article is based on an official press release from RTX.

Raytheon and AWS Partner to Enhance Space Mission Capabilities with Cloud and AI

Raytheon, a business of RTX, has announced a strategic collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) aimed at transforming satellite data processing and mission control operations. The partnership, unveiled on December 4, 2025, focuses on deploying scalable cloud-based solutions to support national security objectives and improve the agility of space-based systems.

By integrating AWS’s cloud infrastructure with Raytheon’s space systems expertise, the collaboration seeks to address the growing complexity of space operations. The initiative will leverage advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), to enhance decision-making and operational coordination for government and commercial customers.

Integrating Cloud and Edge Computing for Space

The core of the agreement involves the deployment of AWS services to modernize how mission data is processed and managed. According to the company’s announcement, Raytheon will utilize AWS AI and ML services, specifically Amazon SageMaker and Amazon Bedrock, to revolutionize software development and mission operations. These tools are expected to help customers reduce mission costs while increasing program flexibility.

A key component of the collaboration is the focus on “edge” capabilities. Raytheon plans to bring mission management directly to the tactical edge using the AWS Outpost family of services. This suite of fully managed solutions allows AWS infrastructure to run in virtually any on-premises or edge location, creating a consistent hybrid experience for operators who may be working in disconnected or bandwidth-constrained environments.

Erich Hernandez-Baquero, vice president of Space Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance at Raytheon, emphasized the operational benefits of this technological integration:

Our customers rely on Raytheon to solve their most complex problems across space, data processing, command and control, and mission management functions. This collaboration with AWS empowers our teams to accelerate responsible AI innovation, increase agility while maintaining the highest levels of security, optimize resources, and strengthen systems to drive effective results for our customers.

Advanced Command and Control

Beyond data processing, the partnership aims to upgrade constellation command and control systems. The companies plan to implement modular, software-defined systems capable of more efficient task scheduling and asset coordination. By using serverless technologies, Raytheon intends to build scalable mission management architectures that can rapidly incorporate new capabilities as threats and requirements evolve.

The collaboration is already active, with Raytheon and AWS executing programs for various government and commercial clients. David Appel, vice president of U.S. Federal at AWS, highlighted the strategic alignment between the two organizations:

This collaboration unites the security, reliability, and higher levels of availability from AWS with Raytheon’s space systems expertise to create new possibilities for our customers in the space industry. This relationship embodies our customer-obsessed approach, driving innovations that boost mission performance, cost efficiency, and operational agility.

AirPro News Analysis

This partnership underscores a broader trend in the defense industrial base, where traditional prime contractors are increasingly leaning on commercial hyperscalers to solve data-intensive challenges. As space domains become more contested and congested, the ability to process data at the “edge”, on the satellite or ground station immediately, rather than sending it back to a central server is becoming a critical requirement for national security. By adopting commercial standards like AWS Outpost and Amazon Bedrock, Raytheon is positioning its space portfolio to be more interoperable and faster to upgrade than legacy, bespoke government systems.

Sources

• RTX